Lohri Celebrations

9 Interesting Facts Worth Knowing About Lohri Celebrations

India is considered to be a land of festivals. One such festival is Lohri. This is primarily deemed to be a festival to celebrate agricultural activities performed by farmers. Many think this day is chosen to celebrate the shortest day of the year. Myths have it that it is the beginning of the new season as winter recedes. The farmers believe this is the right time to reap the soils. Lohri celebrations largely happen in Punjab state of India.

Following are 5 interesting facts surrounding this event:

This Event Has Crossed Regional Boundaries

What was once considered to be a festival of one state has crossed regional boundaries. Therefore, you will see this event now take place all over India and the globe. People from different backgrounds and regions take part in the event. The fervor and enthusiasm seen in these people is a treat for the eyes!

This is evident from the manner various residential societies and condominiums organize Lohri celebrations. Not only this, even the community centers and clubs conduct themed parties to mark the occasion. For instance, most clubs create options so that you can enjoy the zest and rhythm of a ‘dhol’ (a musical instrument). Needless to say, such a celebration is incomplete without a campfire. Therefore, they make sure to build a wonderful campfire as well.

People Enjoy To Their Heart’s Contentment

As the winter season starts to end, people get ready for Lohri celebrations. No celebration can ever be complete without some amount of dance and music. Needless to say, it is considered a festival of dhol, dance, and fun. In a sense, you can dance to your heart contentment to different kinds of tunes. This ranges from traditional to western music. Grooving to foot-tapping numbers become the norm of the day!

To make sure people get a chance to achieve this objective, various clubs come up with entertainment options. For instance, you can spend a night enjoying the dhol together with classy music by a DJ. Similarly, you can expect a full-on rocking night when the DJ creates the right ambiance. They make sure to play the music that matches the traditional feel of Lohri celebrations. Just make sure you abide by the dress code if any.

The Celebration Process Is Amazing

Lohri is a big festival and warrants adequate preparations. This takes place several weeks/months before the festival day. For instance, the womenfolk and children start collecting dry branches and twigs during the winter days. It is done to come up with a big bonfire. The rule is simple – the bigger, the better Lohri celebrations. In most villages, people compete with each other to make the biggest and tallest bonfire. Therefore, in months leading to the event, everyone takes pride in enhancing this collection of dry branches and twigs. At times, this leads to a healthy rivalry between different groups.

On the D’Day, the bonfire actually gets lit as the sun prepares to rise. This is the same time when people can e has seen dancing and singing various Lohri songs. The crowd can be seen in a joyous mood. They much seasonal food items like peanuts, sugar, report, and popcorn. In fact, this is considered to be an essential part of the event. Ardent Lohri celebrations followers make sure to offer these items into the fire. For them, this is the right way to thank Sun God.

Different Types Of Lohri

Lohri is an amazing festival. It is many types and you will be spoilt for choices for Lohri celebrations. For instance, there is Lohri meant exclusively for a new-born. This is considered to be of great importance to the entire family. They come over to celebrate and bless the new-born. An elaborate get-together takes place at the paternal house. In fact, invitation cards are religiously sent well in advance. The new-born and his/her mother receive numerous gifts. Many people do not shy off from spending a hefty amount on gift items.

Similarly, there is a Lohri designed for first-Lohri of a bride. The grand feast is mostly organized at in-law’s house. Normally, the bride in question makes sure to dress in traditional attire. She does not forget to wear the 16 things that tradition has laid down. According to tradition, these are items that every bride ought to wear. Irrespective of where the bride is from, a city or village, they abide by this tradition. At Lohri celebrations, the newlywed couple is showered with a lot of wishes and gifts.

A Lot Of Things Take Place Around The Bonfire

If you think people just lit the bonfire and that is the end of the story, if are wrong. On the contrary, a lot of things happen when this bonfire is actually lit. To begin with, people gather around this bonfire for Lohri celebrations with the best dress and outfits. This is no ordinary bonfire. It has got some sacred significance as well. Therefore, people offer what is called ‘Prasad’ to it.

It may be noted, this Prasad comprises five things namely gajak, philia, gur, moon fall, and popcorn. This is followed by offering prayers. Tradition has it, farmers did so to seek blessings from Sun God for prosperity and abundant crops. Once this part is over they can be seen greeting each other wishing ‘Happy Lohri’. An element of happiness is added to the atmosphere by singing traditional Lohri songs. The best dancing moves of ‘gidda’ and ‘bhangra’ come into the display. The ambiance created truly represents the perfect Lohri celebrations.

Numerous Games Are Played On This Occasion

What was once considered to be a village festival has reached the modern cities and town. Currently, people lead a hectic lifestyle. They hardly get an opportunity to unwind and party. Lohri celebration is a rare occasion that allows them to have loads of entertainment and fun. For them, such an event is a blessing in disguise. Therefore, everyone makes sure he/she makes the most of the opportunity.

We are talking about entertainment and fun. It is best derived when you take part in a game. Both young and adults take an active part in these games during Lohri celebrations. These are simple and easy to play. Even the kids find them very entertaining. Some of the popular games options include Kite Tambola, Popcorn Relay Race, Grab Lohri Sweets, Popcorn With Chopsticks, Knot The Kite, Eat & Celebrate, Peel The Peanuts, and more.

Decorations Are Done Wonderfully

Lohri celebrations are well known for their wonderful decorations. There are many options available. Ideally, you ought to go for traditional décor items. For instance, you can choose, painted earthen pots, hand-painted bottles, bangles colorful pinwheels. This will help you in adding color to the event. Remember – this is how it is actually done in villages. Therefore, if are staying in a modern city, you can give a touch of authentic flavor to the party décor.

Another traditional décor theme is to use Hay and Khatiya. Let us not forget, hay is widely used as a décor item in homes across Punjab. It’s less costly and offers an authentic look. In other words, it helps in balancing outburst of colors. You can use it in a unique way in the party venue – stuff them in transparent bottles and hang it! As a host, you will definitely not like your guests to undergo any pain.  If space is not a constraint, you can arrange for few traditional chapel beaks. This will ensure the perfect seating arrangement for your Lohri celebrations.

Presence Of Lohri Photo Booth

Everyone loves to remember the good times they had during the event. Therefore, you can always think about creating a photo booth. This will permit your guests to capture wonderful memories. Make the booth attractive and eye-catching. Ideally, you ought to add fresh flowers, use bright colors and different types of frames.

These days such booth is omnipresent in Lohri themed parties in modern cities. For instance, Clubs or Housing societies in towns often use a dedicated hashtag for the party. It helps the authorities in communicating the same to their guests. Likewise, if you are organizing it in your home, you can make a poster.

Opt For A Dessert Table

Its celebration time and you are expected to serve your guests with excellent foods. Why not create Lohri themed cupcakes? Only making the best cupcakes is not enough. To ought to make sure it is easily assessable as well. It is better to place them on a three-tier stand.

You can make the Lohri celebrations twice memorable for these guests. Just make sure to accompany a few items together with the cupcakes. For instance, you can place a few mason jars. These ought to be filled with Lohri essentials such as Gajak, Revdis, and Groundnuts. For young guests like children, arrange for a popcorn maker. It will enable the young brigade to savor tasty popcorn. Chocolates are an all-time favorite with kids. Hence, you can go for sugar-coated almonds or cashew in various colors. You can also add a glamorous touch to this dessert table. Simply deep the Revadis in Chocolate to achieve this objective.